Favorite Backpacks

Currently in the market for a new mountaineering expedition pack (75+ Liters)
I've spent the weekend researching, reading reviews, comparing technical specs, pros + cons; sizes, prices, durability, etc.
I'm at the point where I like to check in with the Mountain Project folks and see what people tend to prefer with an open mind.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated; I've been eyeing the Black Diamond Mission 75 Pack recently, hearing lots of good things about it. I've heard the durability in its build is a little less than some would like though.
For context: I will be using this for training and climbing Rainier and Baker.
I would be extra interested if anyone is able to speak towards Mountainsmith backpacks. But I would also be thrilled if you tried to talk me into looking into other packs - I'm sure there are others in the market too who would like to hear some community preferences.
As always, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions, but primarily just trying to get a sense of what folks like for their packs these days. Thanks!

I'm a big fan of the Archwood Flextrek 37,000,000,000,000 in both the Whipsnake and Augmenteon models. 

Yeah the whipsnake is a sick pack for sure.

On a serious note, I have a nozone 75 that I like, if you really need that large of a pack the arc'teryx ones are good. I dont think you really need that large of a pack for those trips, maybe try to work on some kit optimization and go smaller? 

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter/Ice Pack 4400. Awesome bags, they won't carry an insane load like other overbuilt backpacks will, but the most versatile bags out there. 

I'm in the same boat, have the CCW chaos and it's a great pack but the lack of a real frame hurts after a while. Looking at Mchale packs right now but not sure I'm ready to spend the cash. My buddy has a kifaru and loves it. 

Yeah, 75 liters seems like serious overkill for rainier and baker. I would do those two mountains with my Cilo Gear 45L worksack. In fact, that is the pack i recommend to you. 

Disclaimer: I have a weird fetish for old, bombproof gear and choose durability over reducing weight. Dana Design packs scratch all those itches.

My Dana Design Astralplane Overkill might be my single favorite piece of gear. It's 115L (7000 cu in, you could use it as an elephant foot bivy or to evacuate a lightweight injured person in a pinch...), utterly bombproof, and carries like a dream. I think the pack itself weighs 8 lbs but I've had up to 95 lb loads in there with no issues, even though the pack is heavy it makes 60 lbs feel like 40. Could probably handle more, but I've never had the reason to. If Rainier and Baker are just starting points and you're interested in getting into multi-week 4-season trips, I'd recommend skipping immediately to an Astralplane (or the smaller Terraplane).

Also for reference:

Liters to Cu In.
10     610
40     2441
50     3051
55     3356
60     3661
65     3967
70     4272
75     4577
80     4882
85     5187
90     5492
100     6102
105     6407

...another CCW recommendation! 

I absolutely love kifaru.  Ive had 3 of them and have no complaints. Also, since everything is handmade in CO the customer service is some of the best ive ever encountered. Definitely a bit pricey but theyre bulletproof in my experience.

Don't take recommendations from an online forum (or anywhere else) and order a pack online without trying it on. You need to be measured for S, M, or L. Then, every pack fits differently. For example, while I thing Osprey makes a fantastic pack, and their warranty is second to none, their packs do not fit me well. I'm much happier in a Gregory, although some models don't seem comfortable to me (such as the Zulu 55).

Find a store with a wide selection and go in and try them out. A good store will have weights, such as sandbags, to put in the pack. Put some weight in the pack and walk around the store for a while. A backpack that is sized correctly and fits you well is extremely important.

A friend of mine took a North Face Cobra 60L on one of the 4 day RMI Rainier Trips and liked it.  I've borrowed it for training purposes and it fits me well but everyone is different.  Unfortunately I don't fit Osprey packs all that well, I think it has something to do with the width?  But Either way I would find place to try whatever you're looking at on.  I'm assuming you're looking at the equipment pages for whatever training program you're attending and that's what's telling you to get a pack that big?

ex:  ​rmi link​​​

+1 for Cold Cold World.  I absolutely love mine and can't seem to put a rip in it despite constant hauling up granite and general abuse.

Not sure what your budget is, but John, the owner of Alpine Luddites, out of Ouray, Colorado will sew you a custom pack sized to your measurements in any capacity you're looking for.  You can add/delete features and have your choice in fabrics/colors.  He's not cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for - supreme craftsmanship.

I've taken my bd speed 40 up rainier twice and had no issues with space (actually perfect). Guideing on the mtn this summer we get Jan sport tahoma packs which are 70l I think but we have to carry a lot of extra gear when working in that capacity. Another vote for smaller than 70+ for most things in Washington. I imagine 40-50 to be ideal for those trips. 

Wild Things Andinista, available this June with new materials.  I'm waiting to replace mine and can't wait.

Black Diamond packs are garbage beyond the Speed 40.  Mission series is just terrible.

Gregory makes great packs if you need to carry a heavy load.  AAC gets you a discount with them.

JG can you elaborate on why the mission series is terrible?

Maybe I am carrying the wrong gear, but I have a hard time getting everything in a BD 40 speed for an overnight climb.  It is a great pack, though.
 
Another vote for the Andinista. 

Jake Laba wrote: JG can you elaborate on why the mission series is terrible?

Gladly.

I own the last model of the Mission 75 (comes in three sizes) and this generation mission 55 (comes in two sizes) that I had to buy because I went on a climbing trip and forgot my NoZone 55.

The shoulder straps are so uncomfortable.  They use a hard foam with low surface area so it digs into the shoulders when you weigh it.  This applies to both models.  Now 75 has thicker shoulder straps but the 55 has the speed 40 straps instead.  So it takes the shoulder straps of a smaller pack, increases the capacity, and calls it a 55 liter pack.  That pack was so uncomfortable to carry loads with.  The hip belts are terrible too.  Not enough foam, don't fit around my waist well and caused a notable amount of bruising.  Lastly, the swing suspension system is the dumbest concept in the world when you have a heavy pack.  You don't want your pack swinging around when it is weighted, its shifts your center of gravity and gets uncomfortable on the approach.

If you are going to make a 75 liter expedition pack the requirements should be simple.

Carry heavy loads comfortably; softer and wider straps that don't dig in, keep the hip belt padded.  Avoid gimmicks to improve climbing performance (swing suspension).  To make it climbable, have the hip belt removable and make the pack easier to strip down and stream line.  Use a foam back pad instead of hard plastic.  Foam is softer and can make up density when folded up, the Andinista does that along with other packs.

Ashort wrote: Yeah, 75 liters seems like serious overkill for rainier and baker. I would do those two mountains with my Cilo Gear 45L worksack. In fact, that is the pack i recommend to you. 

Depends on the route and time of the year.  If you are doing Liberty Ridge in early season you have to waste a day or two getting to the base of the ridge.  That means hiking the road in.  Aiming for 55 is a good goal but sometimes you have to carry extra.  Though good recommendation because that pack has been proven to expand out close to 70 liters by outdoor gear lab.

Cool thanks for the review, saved me some money